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Prof. William H. Byrnes

Robert Bloink, J.D., LL.M.

This week we see a reminder from the IRS on tax treatment of unemployment compensation. This may be especially important this year with a large number of people receiving unemployment benefits, and the benefit levels being raised considerably for several months to deal with the COVID pandemic. Because withholding is not mandated, there is a greater risk of taxpayers owing a lot of money next year for unemployment benefits received this year.

IRS Reminder on Tax Treatment of Unemployment Compensation

In response to the fact that an unprecedented number of Americans are currently claiming unemployment benefits, the IRS has issued a reminder that these benefits are fully taxable. However, the IRS reminds taxpayers that withholding is completely optional. Taxpayers can elect to have a flat 10% withheld from their unemployment compensation and paid over automatically to the IRS. For more information on the rules for making estimated payments, visit Tax Facts Online. Read More

Proposed Regs on Post-TCJA Qualified Plan Loan Offsets

The IRS proposed regulations help clients with timing for rollover of qualified plan loan offset amounts. The ability to take a qualified plan loan can offer a valuable source of funding in an emergency. However, plan loans are governed by strict repayment rules. Violations can result in the participant’s account balance being reduced (offset) to repay the unpaid balance (after which it is treated as a taxable distribution). These rules are problematic if the employee is terminated or if the plan itself is terminated. TCJA gave these employees extra time to roll over qualified plan loan amounts to prevent unintended consequences. Instead of the 60-day rollover period, the borrower has until the income tax filing deadline to rollover the offset amount. The regulations provide that if the taxpayer files on time, an additional six-month window to complete the rollover will apply even if the taxpayer doesn’t request the extension. For more information, visit Tax Facts Online. Read More

October 15 Deadline for Creditable Coverage Notice

Medicare-eligible individuals who do not enroll in Medicare Part D when first available, but who enroll later, must pay higher premiums permanently unless they have creditable prescription drug coverage. Higher premiums apply if the individual goes at least 63 consecutive days without creditable coverage. To help avoid this, employers are required to provide notice each year as to whether employer-provided coverage is creditable. This year, these notices are due by October 15, 2020. For more information on the creditable coverage requirement, visit Tax Facts Online. Read More

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